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Remarks by the President at Event Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Air Force

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

September 18, 1997

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT EVENT CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AIR FORCE

1:50 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. Secretary Cohen, Secretary Widnall, General Eberhart, Chaplain Dendinger, Chief Benkin. To the Air Force Band, the Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale, the friends and families, especially the men and women of the United States Air Force. I'm delighted to be here as we celebrate this 50th anniversary of the best Air Force in the world.

Secretary Widnall thanked me for coming to your 50th birthday party. Actually, I thank you for having me. Ever since I turned 50 myself, I've been looking for all the company I can find. (Laughter.) And since I can't run for office anymore, Secretary Cohen, I'm glad to come here and have this crowd you raised for me. I appreciate it very much. (Laughter.)

Ladies and gentlemen, 50 years ago, when our nation emerged from the crucible of World War II, we faced a political and military landscape that had been forever changed. Our European allies were devastated, the Iron Curtain was descending, the values for which we had fought so dearly seemed under siege from Europe to Asia. At that moment, only the United States had the strength to uphold the struggle for freedom around the world. And though our people were eager to turn their energies back home, we rose to the awesome responsibility at hand, creating the institutions that would protect our security and promote the cause of liberty and peace, and eventually enable us to prevail in the Cold War and enjoy the conditions that exist today, when, for the first time in human history, more than one-half the people on this planet live under governments of their own choosing.

In 1947, 50 years ago, the four essential players in that struggle came to life: the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Council, the Department of Defense, and the United States Air Force. For the record, I think it should be noted that President Truman signed this act aboard his so-called "Sacred Cow," the C-54 presidential aircraft that served back then as Air Force One. In case you're wondering, President Truman was just like me --he didn't have an escape pod on his plane either. (Laughter.) I might say, as long as the Air Force is flying me, I don't feel the need for a way out. (Applause.)

Fifty years later, our Air Force remains a world-class force without peer, thanks to the extraordinary men and women who serve in it. Your soaring spirit, your dedication, your skill have helped America to master the skies. You've made us more secure. You've made the world a safer place.

We have seen your courage and expertise in time of war. We have seen your compassion and sacrifice in time of peace. We have seen the around-the-clock flights of the Berlin airlift. We saw you in MiG Alley in Korea. We saw the longest humanitarian airlift in history during the war in Bosnia. We saw you in the skies over Baghdad in Desert Storm. And just a few days ago, we saw the nine crew members of the C-141 perish off the coast of Africa after carrying a team of experts to help support our de-mining efforts in Namibia.

We have seen you rise to the challenges of our time, from the development of the air expeditionary forces that give me an invaluable tool in times of crisis, to last week's deployment of Commando Solo aircraft to help prevent the enemies of peace in Bosnia from sabotaging the Dayton Agreement.

We have seen your vision and commitment to excel as you sharpen your technological age to dominate the battlefields of the future. And perhaps most important, we see in the 12 outstanding Airmen of the Year the best traditions, the best hope and the brightest future of the Air Force -- the leadership and talent and dedication that make you second to none.

I want you to know on behalf of all Americans, I am proud of them and proud of all of you who serve in the United States Air Force. (Applause.) To the pilots, the flight crews, the Red Horse engineers, the technicians, the security police, the space and missile operators -- all who contribute to the strength of America in the skies, and to all the families who support you, our nation is profoundly grateful.

Today is a well-earned day of celebration for your golden legacy of achievement. But as you know better than anyone, there is never a day of rest. We pay tribute to the last 50 years with a determination to look to our Air Force men and women to help us meet the challenges of the next 50 years. We know we can always count on you; we always have. Aim high and reach for new horizons.